JP7077753B2 - Dehumidifier - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dehumidifier.

Patent Document 1 describes an example of a motor for a compressor. When the temperature of the motor rises abnormally, the motor stops due to the melting of the conductive material at the connection that supplies power.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-263238

However, in the compressor motor described in Patent Document 1, the power supply is cut off due to an irreversible change in the connection portion. Therefore, when the motor is applied to the dehumidifier, the dehumidifier cannot be operated until the connection portion is replaced after the temperature of the motor rises abnormally. This can reduce the operating rate of the dehumidifier.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. An object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifier capable of suppressing a decrease in operating rate.

The dehumidifier according to the present invention operates a compressor having a constant operating speed, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the compressor as the compressor temperature, a compressor drive unit that controls the operation of the compressor, and a compressor. It is equipped with a microcomputer that outputs a signal to the compressor drive unit and a compressor load reduction unit that reduces the load of the compressor when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature. Is an abnormal temperature detection circuit that reduces the load on the compressor by blocking the signal output by the microcomputer to the compressor drive unit and stopping the compressor when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined stop temperature. The temperature sensor is equipped with an element whose resistance value changes according to the temperature, and the abnormal temperature detection circuit has a voltage that fluctuates due to a change in the resistance value of the element and a voltage generated by a voltage dividing resistance. It has a comparator to compare, the comparator feeds back the output to the non-inverting input terminal, and the element is connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator and the AD conversion input pin of the microcomputer .

According to the present invention, the dehumidifier includes a temperature sensor, a microcomputer, and a compressor load reducing unit. The operation of the compressor with a constant operating speed is controlled by a signal output from the microcomputer to the compressor drive unit. The compressor load reducing unit reduces the load on the compressor when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature. The compressor temperature is the temperature of the compressor detected by the temperature sensor. This ensures that the compressor is prevented from overheating without irreversible changes. Therefore, the decrease in the operating rate of the dehumidifier can be suppressed.

It is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the example of the abnormal temperature detection circuit which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the example of the structure of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of the microcomputer which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the operation of the microcomputer which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the example of the structure of the dehumidifier which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 1. It is a circuit diagram which shows the example of the structure of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 2.

The embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 1, the direction indicated by the arrow on the paper surface is the front of the dehumidifier 1.

The dehumidifier 1 is, for example, a portable dehumidifier. The dehumidifier 1 includes a central housing 2, a front housing 3, a rear housing 4, a blower 5, a dehumidifier 6, a humidity sensor 7, a discharge port louver drive motor 8, and a display operation panel 9. , A water storage tank 10 and a control device 11.

The central housing 2 is provided at the central portion of the dehumidifier 1 in the front-rear direction. The central housing 2 can stand on its own. The central housing 2 has a discharge port 12. The discharge port 12 is an opening through which the air dehumidified by the dehumidifier 1 is discharged. The discharge port 12 is provided, for example, on the upper part of the central housing 2. The central housing 2 includes a louver (not shown). The louver is provided at the discharge port 12. The direction in which the air is discharged from the discharge port 12 is changed by the louver.

The front housing 3 is provided on the front side of the dehumidifier 1 in the front-rear direction. The front housing 3 is detachably provided with respect to the central housing 2.

The rear housing 4 is provided on the rear side of the dehumidifier 1 in the front-rear direction. The rear housing 4 is detachably provided with respect to the central housing 2. The rear housing 4 has a suction port 13. The suction port 13 is an opening into which the air dehumidified by the dehumidifier 1 is sucked. The suction port 13 is provided, for example, in the upper part of the back surface of the rear housing 4.

The blower 5 is provided, for example, on the front side of the central housing 2. The blower 5 is provided, for example, on the front surface of the central portion of the central housing 2. The blower 5 includes, for example, a blower fan and a motor. The rotation axis of the motor of the blower 5 is oriented in the horizontal direction, for example. The rotation axis of the motor of the blower 5 is oriented parallel to the front-rear direction of the dehumidifier 1, for example. The motor is, for example, an AC motor having a variable operating speed.

The dehumidifying device 6 is provided, for example, on the rear side of the central housing 2.

The humidity sensor 7 is provided, for example, on one of the side surfaces of the lower portion of the central housing 2 in the left-right direction. The humidity sensor 7 is configured to be able to measure the humidity in the air.

The discharge port louver drive motor 8 is provided, for example, in the upper part of the central housing 2. The discharge port louver drive motor 8 is configured so that the direction of the louver provided in the discharge port 12 can be changed.

The display operation panel 9 is provided, for example, on the upper part of the front housing 3. The display operation panel 9 is configured to accept operations by the user.

The water storage tank 10 is provided, for example, in the lower part of the front housing 3. The water storage tank 10 is detachably provided from the front side of the dehumidifier 1 in a state where the front housing 3 is attached to the central housing 2.

The control device 11 is provided, for example, on the front side of the central housing 2.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 2, the left side of the paper surface is the front of the dehumidifier 1.

The dehumidifying device 6 of the dehumidifier 1 includes a compressor 6a, a condenser 6b, a depressurizing device 6c, and an evaporator 6d.

The compressor 6a includes, for example, a motor. The motor of the compressor 6a is configured to be able to rotate at a constant speed. That is, the operating speed of the compressor 6a is constant. The motor of the compressor 6a is, for example, a single-phase induction motor.

In the operation of the dehumidifier 1, the display operation panel 9 accepts an operation by the user. The control device 11 controls the operation of the blower 5 based on the operation received by the display operation panel 9 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 7. The motor of the blower 5 rotates at an operating speed according to the control of the control device 11. The motor of the compressor 6a rotates at a constant speed under the control of the control device 11. The compressor 6a compresses the refrigerant by the driving force of the motor. The condenser 6b cools the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 6a. The depressurizing device 6c decompresses the refrigerant cooled by the condenser 6b.

The air A in the room is sucked into the inside of the dehumidifier 1 along the horizontal direction from the suction port 13 by the blower fan of the blower 5. The air sucked into the dehumidifier 1 passes through the condenser 6b and the evaporator 6d. The evaporator 6d removes moisture contained in the passing air by absorbing heat from the decompressed refrigerant by the decompression device 6c. That is, the air passing through the evaporator 6d is dehumidified. The blower 5 discharges the dehumidified air B upward from the discharge port 12 into the room. The water removed from the air by the evaporator 6d is stored in the water storage tank 10.

Subsequently, the function of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.

The dehumidifier 1 includes a temperature sensor 14 and a current sensor 15.

The temperature sensor 14 is provided, for example, on the outer shell of the compressor 6a. The temperature sensor 14 detects the compressor temperature. The compressor temperature is the temperature of the compressor 6a. The temperature sensor 14 includes, for example, an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. The NTC thermistor has a property that the resistance value decreases as the temperature rises. The NTC thermistor is an example of an element whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature.

The current sensor 15 is configured to be able to detect the current of the wiring that supplies electric power to the motor of the compressor 6a. The current sensor 15 includes, for example, a current transformer arranged around a wiring that supplies AC power.

The display operation panel 9 is connected to the control device 11 by the signal wiring 16 and the power supply wiring 17. The signal wiring 16 transmits input / output signals to the display operation panel 9. The power supply wiring 17 supplies power to the display operation panel 9. The display operation panel 9 includes a display unit 18 and an operation unit 19.

The display unit 18 displays, for example, visual information indicating the operating state of the dehumidifier 1 to the user. The display unit 18 is formed of, for example, a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal panel.

The operation unit 19 accepts operations by the user. The operation unit 19 is composed of mechanical switches such as buttons provided around the display unit 18, for example. Alternatively, the operation unit 19 is realized, for example, by forming at least a part of the display unit 18 with a touch panel. The operation unit 19 has an operation switch 20. The operation switch 20 accepts an operation of switching ON or OFF.

The control device 11 includes a microcomputer 21, a power supply circuit 22, a compressor drive unit 23, a louver drive unit 24, and a compressor load reduction unit 25.

The microcomputer 21 is connected to the humidity sensor 7 so that the measured humidity value can be acquired. The microcomputer 21 is connected to the display unit 18 so as to be able to output a signal representing the information to be displayed. The microcomputer 21 is connected to the operation unit 19 so as to be able to acquire a signal representing an input operation.

The AD conversion (Analog / Digital conversion) input pin of the microcomputer 21 is electrically connected to each of the humidity sensor 7, the temperature sensor 14, and the current sensor 15. The AD conversion input pin is in a high impedance state. The outputs of the humidity sensor 7, the temperature sensor 14, and the current sensor 15 are converted into the respective values of humidity, temperature, and current from the analog signal of voltage inside the microcomputer 21, and are processed as control information.

The power supply circuit 22 receives power from the AC power supply 27 via the power supply plug 26. The power supply circuit 22 generates a DC internal power supply necessary for controlling the dehumidifier 1.

The compressor drive unit 23 is a drive circuit that controls the operation of the compressor 6a. Controlling the operation of the compressor 6a includes starting and stopping the compressor 6a. The compressor drive unit 23 is electrically connected to the compressor 6a. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the compressor 6a to the compressor drive unit 23 based on the operation received by the operation unit 19 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 7. The compressor drive unit 23 controls the operation of the compressor 6a based on the signal output from the microcomputer 21.

The louver drive unit 24 is a drive circuit that controls the operation of the discharge port louver drive motor 8. The control of the operation of the discharge port louver drive motor 8 includes the control of the inclination of the louver provided in the discharge port 12. The louver drive unit 24 is electrically connected to the discharge port louver drive motor 8. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the discharge port louver drive motor 8 to the louver drive unit 24 based on the operation received by the operation unit 19. The louver drive unit 24 controls the operation of the discharge port louver drive motor 8 based on the signal output from the microcomputer 21.

The compressor load reduction unit 25 includes a blower drive unit 28 and an abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. The compressor load reducing unit 25 is configured to be able to output a signal for reducing the load of the compressor 6a when the compressor temperature exceeds the reference temperature. The reference temperature is a temperature predetermined as one or more criteria for the operation of the compressor load reducing unit.

The blower drive unit 28 is a drive circuit that controls the operation of the blower 5. Controlling the operation of the blower 5 includes starting, stopping and adjusting the amount of blown air. The blower drive unit 28 is electrically connected to the blower 5. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the blower 5 to the blower drive unit 28 based on the operation received by the operation unit 19. The blower drive unit 28 controls the operation of the blower 5 based on the signal output from the microcomputer 21.

The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 14 so as to be able to acquire a signal representing the compressor temperature. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 is an analog circuit that compares the compressor temperature with the stop temperature. The stop temperature is a predetermined temperature at which the compressor 6a is stopped. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 has an output terminal. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs a signal indicating the result of comparing the temperatures to the output terminal. The output terminal is electrically connected to the microcomputer 21 and the compressor drive unit 23. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 compares the temperature independently of the processing of the microcomputer 21. When the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs a signal for blocking the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor drive unit 23 to the output terminal. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 includes a comparison unit 30 and a conversion unit 31.

The comparison unit 30 compares the value of the compressor temperature acquired from the output of the temperature sensor 14 with the value of the stop temperature.

The conversion unit 31 converts the signal representing the comparison result output by the comparison unit 30 into an output format signal capable of blocking the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor drive unit 23.

The stop temperature is set, for example, based on the outer temperature of the motor when the winding of the motor of the compressor 6a approaches the limit temperature. More specifically, for example, when the outer temperature of the motor is 120 ° C. when the winding of the motor approaches the limit temperature of 190 ° C., the stop temperature is set to 110 ° C. with a margin of 10 ° C. Will be done. The stop temperature is an example of a reference temperature.

Each of the compressor 6a, the blower 5, and the discharge port louver drive motor 8 is an actuator of the dehumidifier 1. Each of the compressor drive unit 23, the louver drive unit 24, and the blower drive unit 28 is an actuator drive unit. The actuator drive unit is a drive circuit that controls the operation of the actuator.

Each function of the microcomputer 21 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit of the microcomputer 21 includes at least one processor 21a and at least one memory 21b. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 21a and at least one memory 21b, each function of the microcomputer 21 may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware may be written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware may be stored in at least one memory 21b. At least one processor 21a may realize each function of the microcomputer 21 by reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 21b. The at least one memory 21b may include a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

The processing circuit of the microcomputer 21 may include at least one dedicated hardware. When the processing circuit comprises at least one dedicated hardware, the processing circuit may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-). Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof may be used.

The functions of each part of the microcomputer 21 may be realized by the processing circuit. Further, the functions of each part of the microcomputer 21 may be collectively realized by the processing circuit. For each function of the microcomputer 21, a part may be realized by the dedicated hardware, and the other part may be realized by software or firmware. The processing circuit may realize each function of the microcomputer 21 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

Subsequently, the configuration of the circuit of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the abnormal temperature detection circuit according to the first embodiment.

The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 includes, for example, a comparator IC (Integrated Circuit) whose output has an open collector structure.

The comparison unit 30 includes a first comparator 32 and a second comparator 33. Point a is an inverting input (−) of the first comparator 32. Point b is the non-inverting input (+) of the first comparator 32. Point c is the output of the first comparator 32. The voltage divider voltage generated by the resistor R714 and the temperature sensor 14 is input to point a. The voltage at point a fluctuates according to the resistance value that changes depending on the temperature of the temperature sensor 14. The voltage dividing voltage generated by the resistor R716, the resistor R717, the resistor R718, the resistor R719, the resistor R720 and the resistor R721 is input to the point b.

When the compressor temperature is lower than the stop temperature, the resistance value of the temperature sensor 14 is large. At this time, the voltage at point a, which is the inverting input (−), is higher than the voltage at point b, which is the non-inverting input (+). As a result, the voltage at point c, which is the output of the first comparator 32, becomes the L level.

On the other hand, when the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the resistance value of the temperature sensor 14 becomes small. At this time, the voltage at point a, which is the inverting input (−), is lower than the voltage at point b, which is the non-inverting input (+). As a result, the voltage at point c, which is the output of the first comparator 32, changes from the L level to the H level. The voltage at point c when the output of the first comparator 32 is H level is the voltage dividing voltage generated by the resistance R716, the resistance R717, the resistance R718, the resistance R719, the resistance R720, and the resistance R721.

The first comparator 32 has a differential so as to avoid chattering when the compressor temperature reaches the stop temperature. The differential is the width of the hysteresis. When the voltage at point a becomes lower than the voltage at point b, the voltage at point c becomes high because the open collector of the output changes from the on state to the open state. At this time, the direction of the current flowing from the point b to the point c via the resistance R719 is reversed. As the current flows from point c to point b, the voltage at point b also increases. As a result, the difference in voltage between point b and point a becomes large, so that chattering of the output at point c near the threshold value is prevented. The differential is set to a voltage difference corresponding to, for example, a temperature difference of about 5 ° C.

The output of the first comparator 32 is input to the inverting input (−) of the second comparator 33. Therefore, the output of the second comparator 33 is in the opposite state to the output of the first comparator 32. The output of the second comparator 33 is input to the conversion unit 31. The conversion unit 31 converts the output format of the input signal and outputs it.

Subsequently, the configuration of the circuit of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.

The blower drive unit 28 acquires speed control information from the microcomputer 21 by a serial signal or the like. The blower drive unit 28 performs control including adjustment of the blower amount of the blower 5 based on the acquired speed control information. The blower drive unit 28 is, for example, an inverter drive circuit.

The compressor drive unit 23 includes a relay X1 and a transistor Q1. The relay X1 is normally open. The relay X1 is configured to be able to open and close a circuit that supplies electric power to the compressor 6a from the power source 27. The transistor Q1 is, for example, an NPN transistor having a built-in resistor. The collector of the transistor Q1 is connected to the operating coil of the relay X1. The operating coil is an example of an input terminal. The base of the transistor Q1 is connected to the output terminal of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 and the output pin P2 of the microcomputer 21.

The current transformer of the current sensor 15 is connected to the resistor R1, the diode D1, the capacitor C1 and the resistor R3. The resistor R3 is connected to discharge the charge of the capacitor C1. The resistance value of the resistor R3 is, for example, several tens of kΩ.

The microcomputer 21 is connected to the reset circuit. The reset circuit is composed of a resistor R13, a capacitor C6 and a diode D10.

In this example, the conversion unit 31 of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 is configured to be able to output the input signal as it is. That is, the output terminal of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 is directly connected to the open collector output, which is the output of the second comparator 33 in FIG.

Subsequently, the operation of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

When the reset input of the microcomputer 21 is L level, the program of the microcomputer 21 is stopped. At this time, each of the pin P1 and the pin P2 of the microcomputer 21 changes from the output mode to the input mode. As a result, the output of the signal from the microcomputer 21 to the outside is eliminated. At this time, each of the blower 5 and the compressor 6a does not operate.

The microcomputer 21 acquires signals from sensors such as the temperature sensor 14, the humidity sensor 7, and the current sensor 15 by interrupt processing at predetermined time intervals. After the value represented by the acquired signal is averaged, the microcomputer 21 stores it in a RAM (Random Access Memory) included in the memory 21b, for example, as a measured value by a corresponding sensor. As a result, the microcomputer 21 refers to the measured value by the sensor which is updated from time to time.

When the ON operation is accepted by the operation switch 20, the dehumidifier 1 starts operation. Here, when the operation switch 20 is, for example, a push button switch, the chattering caused by the operation of the push button switch is processed by the microcomputer 21. For example, when the dehumidifier 1 is stopped and the ON operation is continuously detected within 0.1 to 0.3 seconds, the microcomputer 21 performs one ON operation. Judge that it was accepted. On the other hand, when the dehumidifier 1 is operating and the OFF operation is continuously detected within 0.1 to 0.3 seconds, the microcomputer 21 performs one OFF operation. Judge that it was accepted.

When the operation switch 20 is ON and the value measured by the humidity sensor 7 is higher than the predetermined humidity value, the dehumidifier 1 starts the dehumidification operation. The dehumidifier 1 stabilizes the refrigerant for a predetermined time after starting the dehumidification operation. The dehumidifier 1 starts the operation of the compressor 6a after stabilizing the refrigerant. The time for the dehumidifier 1 to stabilize the refrigerant is, for example, 3 minutes. The time for the dehumidifier 1 to stabilize the refrigerant is measured by a start / stop timer. The start / stop timer is counted by, for example, the microcomputer 21. The start / stop timer stops counting when the time for the dehumidifier 1 to stabilize the refrigerant has elapsed. After measuring for 3 minutes by the start / stop timer, the microcomputer 21 outputs an H level signal to the pin P2 as a signal for operating the compressor 6a.

When the output of the pin P2 of the microcomputer 21 is H level, a signal is input to the base of the transistor Q1 via the resistor R2. At this time, when the transistor Q1 is turned on, the operating coil of the relay X1 is energized. The relay X1 closes the contacts of the circuit that supplies electric power to the compressor 6a from the power source 27. As a result, the compressor 6a operates at a constant speed.

The output voltage of the current transformer of the current sensor 15 is applied to both ends of the resistor R1. The diode D1 passes only the positive electrode of the output voltage. The capacitor C1 smoothes the output voltage that has passed through the diode D1. The smoothed output voltage is input to the AD conversion pin ADIN2 of the microcomputer 21 as a voltage having a height corresponding to the magnitude of the monitored current. The microcomputer 21 monitors the magnitude of the current of the compressor 6a based on the input voltage value.

When the compressor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 inverts the signal output to the output terminal to the L level. As a result, the voltage applied to the contact between the resistor R2 and the base of the transistor Q1 becomes L level regardless of the output state of the pin P2 of the microcomputer 21. At this time, when the transistor Q1 is turned off, the operating coil of the relay X1 is de-energized. The relay X1 opens the contacts of the circuit that supplies electric power from the power source 27 to the compressor 6a. As a result, the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor drive unit 23 is cut off, so that the compressor 6a is stopped.

When the compressor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 exceeds the low air volume operating temperature, the microcomputer 21 reduces the air volume of the blower 5. The low air volume operating temperature is a temperature predetermined as a standard for carrying out a process of reducing the load of the compressor 6a. The low air volume operating temperature is set lower than the stop temperature. More specifically, for example, when the stop temperature is 110 ° C., the low air volume operating temperature is set to 90 ° C. The low air volume operating temperature is an example of the reference temperature.

The microcomputer 21 operates the operation mode of the blower 5 as a normal mode or an air volume down mode. The normal mode is a normal operation mode. The air volume down mode is an operation mode in which the air volume of the blower 5 is reduced because the compressor temperature exceeds the low air volume operating temperature. The microcomputer 21 manages the operation mode of the blower 5 by the air volume down mode flag F. The microcomputer 21 represents the normal mode by setting the value of the air volume down mode flag F to 0. The microcomputer 21 represents the air volume down mode by setting the value of the air volume down mode flag F to 1.

The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for stopping the operation of the compressor when the overcurrent duration is longer than a predetermined time. Here, the overcurrent duration is a duration in which the value measured by the current sensor 15 exceeds a predetermined overcurrent reference value. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute. The overcurrent duration is measured by an overcurrent timer. The overcurrent timer is counted, for example, by the microcomputer 21. The microcomputer 21 starts counting the overcurrent timer when the value measured by the current sensor 15 exceeds the reference value of the overcurrent.

Subsequently, the operation of the microcomputer 21 related to the control of the compressor 6a and the blower 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the microcomputer according to the first embodiment.

In step S101 of FIG. 6, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the operation switch 20 is ON. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S102. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S105.

In step S102, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for stopping the compressor 6a to the compressor drive unit 23. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for stopping the blower 5 to the blower drive unit 28. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the microcomputer 21 sets the value of the air volume down mode flag F to 0. After that, the microcomputer 21 clears the start / stop timer. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S101.

In step S105, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the measured value by the humidity sensor 7 is higher than the predetermined set humidity value. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S102. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the measured value of the compressor temperature by the temperature sensor 14 is higher than the predetermined low air volume operating temperature. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S107. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S116 in FIG.

In step S107, the microcomputer 21 sets the value of the air volume down mode flag F to 0. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the microcomputer 21 sets the amount of air blown by the blower 5. After that, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for operating the blower 5 according to the set blower amount to the blower drive unit 28. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the start / stop timer has been counted after the dehumidifier 1 has started. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S110. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S111.

In step S110, the microcomputer 21 starts counting the start / stop timer. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S101.

In step S111, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the start / stop timer is counting. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S101. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for operating the compressor 6a. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the overcurrent duration is longer than a predetermined time. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S114. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S121 in FIG. 7.

In step S114, the microcomputer 21 clears the overcurrent timer. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S115.

In step S115, the microcomputer 21 determines whether a current is not flowing in the wiring for supplying electric power to the motor of the compressor 6a, and the measured value of the compressor temperature by the temperature sensor 14 is higher than the stop temperature. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S101. When the determination result is Yes, the microcomputer 21 determines that the power supplied to the compressor 6a by the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 has been cut off. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S121 in FIG.

In step S116 of FIG. 7, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the value of the air volume down mode flag F is 1. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S117. When the determination result is Yes, the microcomputer 21 determines that the operation in the air volume down mode is continuing. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S119.

In step S117, the microcomputer 21 sets the value of the air volume down mode flag F to 1. After that, the microcomputer 21 starts counting the air volume down mode timer. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S118.

In step S118, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for reducing the air volume of the blower 5. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S112 in FIG.

In step S119, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the count of the air volume down mode timer continues for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 5 minutes. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S112 in FIG. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the blower 5 is operated at the minimum air volume. If the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S118. If the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S121.

In step S121, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal indicating the content indicating the overheating abnormality of the compressor 6a to the display unit 18. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for stopping the compressor 6a to the compressor drive unit 23. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S123.

In step S123, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for stopping the blower 5 to the blower drive unit 28. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 ends.

As described above, the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment includes a compressor 6a, a temperature sensor 14, a compressor driving unit 23, a microcomputer 21, and a compressor load reducing unit 25. .. The operating speed of the compressor 6a is constant. The temperature sensor 14 detects the temperature of the compressor 6a as the compressor temperature. The compressor drive unit 23 controls the operation of the compressor 6a. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for operating the compressor 6a to the compressor drive unit 23. When the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature, the compressor load reducing unit 25 outputs a signal for reducing the load of the compressor 6a.

The operation or stop of the compressor 6a is controlled by a signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor drive unit 23. The compressor load reducing unit 25 stops the compressor 6a based on the compressor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14. The compressor load reducing unit 25 reduces the load of the compressor 6a by a signal from a path different from the signal from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor driving unit 23. This ensures that the compressor is prevented from overheating without irreversible changes. Therefore, the decrease in the operating rate of the dehumidifier can be suppressed.

Further, the dehumidifier 1 includes a blower 5. The air volume of the blower 5 is variable. The compressor load reducing unit 25 includes a blower driving unit 28. When the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined low air volume operating temperature, the blower drive unit 28 reduces the load on the compressor 6a by outputting a signal for reducing the air volume to the blower 5.

The compressor 6a having a constant operating speed cannot change the operating speed to reduce the load. Therefore, in order to directly reduce the load of the compressor 6a, there is no choice but to stop the compressor 6a. Here, the blower drive unit 28 reduces the amount of air that passes through the evaporator 6d that exchanges heat through the compressor 6a. As a result, the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant from the evaporator 6d is reduced. Here, the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant includes the amount of heat due to the sensible heat of air and the heat of condensation of water. By reducing the amount of heat carried to the compressor 6a by heat exchange, the load on the compressor 6a is indirectly reduced. Therefore, the blower drive unit 28 can reduce the load of the compressor 6a having a constant operating speed while operating the dehumidifier 1. By reducing the load of the compressor 6a, the current value supplied to the compressor 6a is reduced. As a result, the blower drive unit 28 can lower the temperature of the compressor 6a.

Further, the blower 5 is operated with a predetermined minimum air volume for a predetermined time by a signal output from the blower drive unit 28. When the compressor temperature exceeds the low air volume operating temperature after the operation of the blower 5, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for stopping the compressor 6a to the compressor drive unit 23.

When the compressor 6a generates heat due to a factor such as locking, the temperature may not decrease even if the load of the compressor 6a is indirectly reduced. In such a case, the microcomputer 21 suppresses the damage of the compressor 6a due to overheating by stopping the compressor 6a.

Further, the compressor load reducing unit 25 includes an abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. When the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 blocks the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor drive unit 23 to stop the compressor 6a, thereby stopping the compressor. The load of 6a is reduced.

The compressor 6a is stopped by signals from different paths of the software of the microcomputer 21 and the hardware of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. By having a variety of devices for stopping the compressor 6a, overheating of the compressor 6a can be more reliably prevented. For example, even if the microcomputer 21 goes out of control, overheating of the compressor 6a is prevented by the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29.

Further, the compressor load reduction unit 25 includes both a blower drive unit 28 and an abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. When the compressor temperature exceeds the low air volume operating temperature, the blower drive unit 28 indirectly reduces the load on the compressor 6a. If the compressor temperature still exceeds the stop temperature even if the load of the compressor 6a is indirectly reduced, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 stops the compressor 6a. As a result, the compressor load reducing unit 25 can more reliably prevent overheating of the compressor 6a while suppressing a decrease in the operating rate of the dehumidifier 1. Here, the stop temperature is set higher than the low air volume operating temperature. That is, the compressor load reducing unit 25 can prevent the compressor 6a from overheating by gradually reducing the load before forcibly stopping the compressor 6a.

Further, the compressor drive unit 23 includes a relay X1 and a transistor Q1. The relay X1 opens and closes a circuit that supplies electric power to the compressor 6a. The relay X1 is normally open. The transistor Q1 is connected to the input terminal of the relay X1. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for closing the relay X1 to the transistor Q1 as a signal for operating the compressor 6a. When the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 stops the compressor 6a by outputting a signal for opening the relay X1 to the transistor Q1. As a result, overheating of the compressor 6a can be reliably prevented by a simple configuration.

Further, the temperature sensor 14 includes an element whose resistance value changes according to the temperature. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 includes a first comparator 32 that compares a voltage that fluctuates due to a change in the resistance value of the element and a voltage generated by a voltage dividing resistor. Here, the voltage generated by the voltage dividing resistance corresponds to the stop temperature. That is, the stop temperature is set by the voltage dividing resistance. As a result, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 can detect an overheating abnormality of the compressor 6a with a simple configuration.

Further, an element whose resistance value changes according to the temperature of the temperature sensor 14 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the first comparator 32. The temperature sensor 14 is also connected to the AD conversion input pin of the microcomputer 21. The first comparator 32 feeds back the output to the non-inverting input (+) side in order to set the differential. Therefore, the voltage on the non-inverting input (+) side changes when the compressor temperature changes across the stop temperature. On the other hand, since the temperature sensor 14 is connected to the inverting input (−), the output voltage does not change due to the feedback of the output of the first comparator 32. Therefore, it is avoided that the signal of the temperature sensor 14 input to the microcomputer 21 is changed by the feedback of the output of the first comparator 32.

Further, the dehumidifier 1 includes a current sensor 15 and a display unit 18. The current sensor 15 detects the current of the circuit that supplies electric power to the compressor 6a. When the current sensor 15 does not detect the current and the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the display unit 18 displays the content indicating the overheating abnormality of the compressor 6a. As a result, even when the compressor 6a is stopped by the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 regardless of the microcomputer 21, the user can accurately know the state of the dehumidifier 1 by the display of the display unit 18.

Further, the dehumidifier 1 includes a current sensor 15. The current sensor 15 detects the current of the circuit that supplies electric power to the compressor 6a. When the state in which the current detected by the current sensor 15 is larger than the predetermined current value continues for a predetermined time, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for stopping the compressor 6a to the compressor drive unit 23. .. As a result, the protection function of the compressor 6a is strengthened.

Subsequently, the configuration of the circuit of the dehumidifier 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the dehumidifier according to the modified example of the first embodiment.

The motor of the blower 5 is an induction motor having a speed adjustment function of switching between strong and weak.

The blower drive unit 28 includes a relay X2, a relay X3, a transistor Q2, and a transistor Q3. The relay X2 is normally open. The relay X2 is configured to be able to open and close a circuit that supplies electric power to the blower 5 from the power source 27. The relay X3 has a c-contact configuration. That is, the relay X3 has both normally open and normally closed contacts. The relay X3 is configured to be able to switch the speed adjustment function of the motor of the blower 5. Each of the transistor Q2 and the transistor Q3 is, for example, an NPN transistor having a built-in resistor. The collector of the transistor Q2 is connected to the operating coil of the relay X2. The base of the transistor Q2 is connected to the output pin P1 of the microcomputer 21. The collector of the transistor Q3 is connected to the operating coil of the relay X3. The base of the transistor Q3 is connected to the output pin P3 of the microcomputer 21.

When the output of pin P1 of the microcomputer 21 is H level, a signal is input to the base of transistor Q2. At this time, when the transistor Q2 is turned on, the operating coil of the relay X2 is energized. The relay X2 closes the contacts of the circuit that supplies electric power to the blower 5 from the power source 27. As a result, the blower 5 operates at either a strong speed or a weak speed.

When the output of the pin P3 of the microcomputer 21 is H level, a signal is input to the base of the transistor Q3. At this time, when the transistor Q3 is turned on, the operating coil of the relay X3 is energized. The relay X3 switches the speed adjustment function of the motor of the blower 5.

As described above, the blower drive unit 28 can reduce the load on the compressor 6a by reducing the air volume of the blower 5 with a simple configuration.

Embodiment 2.
In the second embodiment, the differences from the example disclosed in the first embodiment will be described in detail. As for the features not described in the second embodiment, any of the features disclosed in the first embodiment may be adopted.

The configuration of the circuit of the dehumidifier 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the dehumidifier according to the second embodiment.

The compressor drive unit 23 includes a relay X1, a first transistor Q4, and a second transistor Q5. The relay X1 is normally open. The relay X1 is configured to be able to open and close a circuit that supplies electric power to the compressor 6a from the power source 27. The first transistor Q4 is, for example, a PNP transistor having a built-in resistor. The second transistor Q5 is, for example, an NPN transistor having a built-in resistor. The base of the first transistor Q4 is connected to the output pin P2 of the microcomputer 21. The base of the second transistor Q5 is connected to the output terminal of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. The collector of the first transistor Q4 is connected to the other of the operating coils of the relay X1. The collector of the second transistor Q5 is connected to one of the operating coils of the relay X1. That is, the operating coils of the first transistor Q4, the second transistor Q5, and the relay X1 are connected in series.

When the output of pin P2 of the microcomputer 21 is L level, a signal is input to the base of the first transistor Q4. When the compressor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 does not exceed the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs an H level signal to the base of the second transistor Q5. At this time, both the second transistor Q5 and the first transistor Q4 are turned on, so that the operation coil of the relay X1 is energized. The relay X1 closes the contacts of the circuit that supplies electric power to the compressor 6a from the power source 27. As a result, the compressor 6a operates at a constant speed.

When the compressor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs an L level signal to the output terminal. At this time, when the second transistor Q5 is turned off, the operation coil of the relay X1 is de-energized regardless of the state of the first transistor Q4. As a result, the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor drive unit 23 is cut off, so that the compressor 6a is stopped.

As described above, the compressor drive unit 23 according to the first embodiment includes a relay X1, a first transistor Q4, and a second transistor Q5. The relay X1 opens and closes a circuit that supplies electric power to the compressor 6a. The relay X1 is normally open. The first transistor Q4 is connected to the input terminal of the relay X1. The second transistor Q5 is connected to the input terminal of the relay X1. The input terminal of the relay X1, the first transistor Q4 and the second transistor Q5 are connected in series. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for closing the relay X1 to the first transistor Q4 as a signal for operating the compressor 6a. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 stops the compressor 6a by outputting a signal for opening the relay X1 to the second transistor Q5 when the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature.

As a result, overheating of the compressor 6a can be reliably prevented by a simple configuration. If at least one of the first transistor Q4 and the second transistor Q5 is in the OFF state, the compressor 6a is stopped. Therefore, even if either the first transistor Q4 or the second transistor Q5 fails, the compressor drive unit 23 can stop the compressor 6a.

1 Dehumidifier, 2 Central chassis, 3 Front chassis, 4 Rear chassis, 5 Blower, 6 Dehumidifier, 6a Compressor, 6b Condenser, 6c Decompressor, 6d Evaporator, 7 Humidity sensor, 8 Discharge port louver Drive motor, 9 Display operation panel, 10 Water storage tank, 11 Control device, 12 Discharge port, 13 Suction port, 14 Temperature sensor, 15 Current sensor, 16 Signal wiring, 17 Power supply wiring, 18 Display unit, 19 Operation unit, 20 Operation Switch, 21 microcomputer, 21a processor, 21b memory, 22 power supply circuit, 23 compressor drive unit, 24 louver drive unit, 25 compressor load reduction unit, 26 power supply plug, 27 power supply, 28 blower drive unit, 29 abnormal temperature detection Circuit, 30 comparison section, 31 conversion section, 32 first comparator, 33 second comparator

Claims (7)

A compressor with a constant operating speed,
A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the compressor as the compressor temperature,
A compressor drive unit that controls the operation of the compressor,
A microcomputer that outputs a signal for operating the compressor to the compressor drive unit,
A compressor load reducing unit that reduces the load on the compressor when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature.
Equipped with
When the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined stop temperature, the compressor load reducing unit blocks a signal output by the compressor to the compressor drive unit and stops the compressor. It has an abnormal temperature detection circuit that reduces the load on the compressor.
The temperature sensor includes an element whose resistance value changes according to the temperature.
The abnormal temperature detection circuit has a comparator that compares a voltage that fluctuates due to a change in the resistance value of the element with a voltage generated by a voltage dividing resistor.
The comparator feeds back the output to the non-inverting input terminal and
The element is connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator and the AD conversion input pin of the microcomputer.
Dehumidifier. The compressor drive unit
A normally open relay that opens and closes the circuit that supplies power to the compressor,
A transistor connected to the input terminal of the relay and
Equipped with
The microcomputer outputs a signal for closing the relay to the transistor as a signal for operating the compressor.
The dehumidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormal temperature detection circuit stops the compressor by outputting a signal for opening the relay to the transistor when the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature. The compressor drive unit
A normally open relay that opens and closes the circuit that supplies power to the compressor,
The first transistor connected to the input terminal of the relay and
The second transistor connected to the input terminal of the relay and
Equipped with
The input terminal of the relay, the first transistor and the second transistor are connected in series, and the input terminal is connected.
The microcomputer outputs a signal for closing the relay to the first transistor as a signal for operating the compressor.
The dehumidification according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormal temperature detection circuit stops the compressor by outputting a signal for opening the relay to the second transistor when the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature. Machine. Equipped with a blower with variable air volume
A claim that the compressor load reducing unit includes a blower driving unit that reduces the load of the compressor by reducing the air volume of the compressor when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined low air volume operating temperature. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The compressor drive unit is described when the compressor temperature exceeds the low air volume operating temperature after the blower drive unit is operated with the blower at a predetermined minimum air volume for a predetermined time. The dehumidifier according to claim 4 , wherein the compressor is stopped. A current sensor that detects the current of the circuit that supplies power to the compressor,
A display unit that displays a content indicating an overheating abnormality of the compressor when the current sensor does not detect the current and the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature.
The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . It is equipped with a current sensor that detects the current of the circuit that supplies power to the compressor.
The compressor drive unit has claims 1 to 5 for stopping the compressor when a state in which the current detected by the current sensor is larger than a predetermined current value continues for a predetermined time. The dehumidifier according to any one of the items.

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